What Apple's Acquisition of Dr. Dre's Beats Means

Emerging trend: Apple is bringing location-based targeting to music audiences, moving to buy Dr. Dre’s Beats electronics business.

Implication: Apple will extend its ad network and iBeacon service to Beats streaming service to Beats streaming service, which predicts what type of music users may like based on their location.

Action: Line up to target heavy data users who will pay extra for streaming music and other entertainment content.

Info-Currents Weekly

Emerging Trend: Apple's iBeacon service, an opt-in geo-location system, will win over NFC (near field communication) technology with its ability to map locations in detail.

Implication: This represents an opportunity for OOH (out-of-home) marketers who are looking to bring their targets into stores. For instance, a retailer such as Best Buy will be able to push offers to those shoppers listening to music in the park and invite them to the nearest location to check out the latest digital music players.

Action: Build or partner with apps that leverage iBeacon technology. Target iPhone and other iDevice users.